MONTPELIER — Susan Donegan, commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation, announced the department will conduct a confidential survey of Vermonters, with questions pertaining to health insurance practices.

The survey, known as the Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey, will begin in early August and is expected to be completed in November with preliminary results available early next year.

Representatives from a survey company based out of Portland, Maine, called Market Decisions, will conduct the study, making random calls to Vermonters asking about health insurance needs, frequency of visits to the doctor, and what does and does not influence their decision to seek health care.

In a news release, Donegan said that she wants to make sure Vermonters know what to expect if they receive a call. According to the release, callers will ask only for first names, which will be confidential. Callers will never ask for more personal information such as Social Security numbers, or bank and credit information.

“We urge people to take part in the survey,” Donegan said. “The data we collect will give us a good picture of the state’s insured population and their health needs. We hope that everyone who is contacted will be enthusiastic about taking part in this important study.”